HUNDREDS of objectors are voicing their protest against what has been deemed a “short sighted” move on the part of the county council to cut youth services by 40%.

More than 700 people have so far signed an online petition organised by union leaders as part of an ongoing campaign against the cuts.

The union representing Careers and Connexions services in Surrey, Unison, recently promised to fight to get council bosses to think again.

Chris Leary, a Unison representative, said: “The responses to our petition have demonstrated quite clearly the high level of support for Careers and Connexions in Surrey.

“Local residents recognise the need for services to keep our young people in education or employment, to help them develop skills and knowledge which will set them up for life in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

“We are all aware of the challenges on council budgets, especially given the impending results of the spending review, but to slash young people’s provision for training, education and employment will do much more harm in years to come.

“It will completely overshadow any very short term gains with the budgets.

The cuts will affect the Connexions service, which provides 13 to 19-year-olds with advice and practical help on education, careers, housing, money, health and relationships.

“Unemployment in Surrey might have come down slightly in the past few months, and some of that has been down to the dedication, resourcefulness and expertise of our members working in Careers and Connexions,” added Mr Leary.

It is not just union members who are up in arms about the cuts to spending.

The Residents’ Association and Independent Group, an opposition group at County Hall, has also blasted Surrey County Council over its withdrawal of funding for children’s services.

Figures have been released by the group that claim almost £1m has been taken away from children and young people’s services provided by voluntary and charity organisations.

Councillor Eber Kington, Residents' Association councillor for Epsom and Ewell North, said that vulnerable children and young people had been left at risk and without important services.

Cllr Kington said: “With tough decisions to be made in the coming months, the people of Surrey need transparent decision-making and integrity from their political leaders. That hasn’t happened with these cuts.

“It will be hard for vital Surrey charities and voluntary groups to have greater involvement with the county council’s services when they are faced with huge reductions in income and making staff redundant.”

Organisations that are said to have missed out on funding include YMCA branches, the child protection unit of the NSPCC and a charity working to tackle teenage pregnancy in Surrey.

The Unison petition will be presented to the Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet of Surrey County Council.

Union members will be gathering in Guildford town centre at 10am on Wednesday (September 29) to talk to people about how public sector cuts will affect them.